Therapeutic device



Jan. 29, 1957. L. GROSSI 2,779,328

THERAPEUTIC DEVICE Filed April 7, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l TUII.E3.

if 0 /s 2/ 2o I Z4 INVENTOR f7 lows Gposs/ F W120 Jam, U ATTORNEY Jan. 29, 1957 L. GROSS] THERAPEUTIC DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April '7, 1953 s 4 RS Y m NP mR E6 .0 W T A w; Y v h United States Patent THERAPEUTIC DEVICE Louis Grossi, Paris, France Application April 7, 1953, Serial No. 347,289

7 Claims. (Cl. 128-241) This invention relates to a therapeutic device for simultaneously massaging and applying heat and more particularly to a device wherein uniform distribution of both heat and vibratory motion over a predetermined area is attained.

One of the important advantages of this invention resides in a new and improved heat and vibration device having an arrangement of components and elements that provides for each of operation and increased effectiveness in the generation and transmission of the vibratory motion to the body parts to be massaged and wherein the operating elements are protected from dust and dirt and at the same time uniformly and effectively transmit such heat and pressure waves.

Another object of the invention is a new and improved thermo-vibrator appliance that can be used directly on the parts of the body to be treated without the danger of bruising or otherwise injuring the skin and which at the same time is easily maintainable in a clean and sanitary condition.

A further object of the invention is a thermo-vibrating appliance for applying heat and oscillatory pressure waves uniformly over the surface of the limbs, joints and other contoured or curved body parts which overcomes the necessity for constant displacement of the appliance over the surface of the body part and provides more effective and positive action.

Another object of the invention is a massaging device wherein the vibrator is coupled to the body part to be massaged by means of vibration transmitting medium that is readily conformable to irregular surfaces.

A still further object of the invention is a vibrating device that will distribute the vibratory action uniformly over the surface of the body being treated and wherein the vibration distributing means is unformly heated to warm the body parts being massaged.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in the following description and accompanying drawings forming part of this application:

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of one form of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of Fig. l in partial section;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 taken along the line 3-3 thereof;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 taken along the line 4-4 thereof;

Fig. 5 is another embodiment of the invention showing its adaptability to special applications;

Fig. 6 is still another embodiment of the invention and Fig. 7 is a modification of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

The invention as illustrated in Figs. 14 inclusive, is particularly adapted to massaging surfaces of the body by means of the simultaneous application of vibration and heat. It includes a casing 10 of metal or other suitable material which is provided with a fiat bottom part 11, a rounded end section 12 and a rectangular end section 13. The walls 14 and 15 of the housing taper generally inwardly from the rounded end 12 to the rectangular end 13. The housing is closed by a cover 16 overlying the open side as shown in Fig. l and is arranged to be held in position on the casing by snaps 17 mounted on casing 1t) and the cooperating members 18 fastened to the cover 16.

The vibrator within housing 10 consists of an electromagnetic coil 19 contained within a ring 20 of magnetic material that is welded or otherwise suitably fastened to a base plate 21, also of magnetic material. This base plate is shaped to conform generally with the contour of casing 18 and is secured therein by means of three screws 22 passing through bottom wall 11 of the casing 10 and cooperating with the threaded openings in the base plate 21. The base plate 21 is spaced from the bottom 11 of the casing 11) by a cantilever mount consisting of a pair of spacers 23 and 24 with the spacer 24 extending to a point approximately in line with the inner edge of the magnetic ring 20 so that the major portion of the ring 20 and that portion of the base plate 21 to which it is secured is spaced from the bottom 11 and permitted to vibrate relatively thereto.

The ring 20, which surrounds the coil, forms one pole piece of the electromagnet and is slotted as illustrated at 25 to prevent the generation of large circulating currents. A second magnetic pole is formed by a slotted tubular member 26 positioned in the central opening of the coil 19 and it is Welded or otherwise suitably fastened to the base plate 21.

The vibrating armature 27 is also shaped to conform generally with the contour of the case 10 and overlies the coil 19 and the pole pieces 20 and 26. It is supported for vibratory motion by means of a rocker-type mount 28 which is in turn fastened to the base plate 21 at a point between the spacers 23 and 24. This mount consists of a U-shaped bracket 29 fastened to the base plate 21 by means of a pair of screws 30. A second U-shaped member 31 is pivoted between the legs of the member 29 by means of a bolt or pin 32 and carries the armature 27 which is fastened thereto by means of a pair of screws 33. With this arrangement, the end of the armature overlying the coil 19 can rock toward and away from the coil for vibratory motion when the coil is energized by an alternating current or an interrupted direct current.

The armature 27 is normally held in a position away from the coil 19 by means of a pair of springs 34 retained in position betwen the base plate 21 and the armature 27 by a pair of cylindrical members or bosses 35 on the base plate 21 and the armature 27.

In certain instances it is desirable to adjust the amplitude of vibration of the member 27 relative to the base plate 21 carrying the coil 19. This adjustment is accomplished by dampening means disposed between the base plate 21 and the armature 27 on the side of the pivot 32 opposite the coil 19. This dampening means comprises a knob 36 rotatably mounted in the base plate 21 having a central threaded opening 37. A pin 38 is secured to the base plate 21 at a point spaced from the knob 36 and extending upwardly therefrom in a direction parallel to the opening 27 of the knob 36. A vertically movable bracket 39 engages the pin 33 and is provided with a threaded screw 40 permanently fastened thereto by welding or other suitable means as indicated at 41. This screw engages the threaded opening 37 in the knob 36 so that rotation of the knob will co-act with the screw 40 and move the plate or bracket 39 upwardly or downwardly. A piece of resilient material 42, such as rubber or the like, is disposed between the bracket 39 a and the end of the armature 2.7 and is held in place by the upper end of the pin 38. With this arrangement counter-clockwise rotation of the knob 36 will force the bracket 39 upwardly against the resilient material 42 and tend to move the outer end of the armature 27 nearer to the coil 19 in opposition to the action of springs 34. This action limits the amplitude of vibration of the armature 27. Clockwise rotation of the knob 36 will therefore increase the amplitude of vibration of the armature 27.

In order to avoid metal to metal contact between the armature 27 and the magnet pole pieces 20 and 26 a small piece of rubber or other resilient material 43 is disposed therebetween. The rubber is preferably made of thin section in comparison to the motion of the armature and may be cemented or otherwise secured to the pole piece 20 and coil 19.

The arrangement of the vibrating assembly as discussed above not only provides an efficient vibration generating means but in addition provides the vibratory motion in such a manner that a large portion is transmitted to the body part being massaged and a minimum amount of vibration is transmitted to the casing 16. This is accomplished by means of the cantilever mount of the base plate 21 to permit limited movement of the coil assembly relative to the case 19. In effect the armature and the coil tend to move in opposite directions at the same time and cancel part of the vibration transmitted to the casing lt't. On the other hand, the major portion of the vibratory motion of the armature 27 is transmitted directly to the body part being massaged.

The coil 19 is connected to a source of pulsating electrical energy such as alternating current or interrupted direct current by means of a pair of leads 44 connected to terminals 45 mounted on the end wall 13 of the casing It These terminals 45 are insulated from the casing by means of rubber or fiber grummets 46.

The vibrating motion of the armature 27 is transmitted to the body part to be massaged by means of vibration transmitting means including a resilient pad 47 shaped to conform with the casing and overlying the armature 27. If desired, a layer of asbestos or other similar material 27 may be interposed between the resilient pad 47 and'the armature 27. Within the resilient pad 47 is a heating element 48 of insulated resistance wire that will uniformly heat the entire pad 47. Both the pad 47 and the layer of asbestos 27" are held in position over the armature 27 by means of the outer cover 16, previously described which completely encloses the vibrating unit and is secured to the housing 10. The leads 49 for coupling the resistance element 48 to a source of electrical energy may be brought out between the edge of the end wall 13 and the cover 16, as shown in Fig. l or these leads may be connected directly to terminals 45 so that both the coil 19 and the resistance element 48 are simultaneously energized. If desired, suitable switches may be interposed in each circuit so that the coil 19 and the element 48 may be independently energized.

The cover 16 is preferably made of a waterproof material such as fabric or the like, that is heat-conductive and will at the same time permit transmission of vibrations from the armature 27 to the body part being treated. While such material should preferably be fabricated of waterproofed fabric it is apparent that other types of heat-conductive materials can also be used. If desired, the armature 27 may have one or more slots 27' extending generally lengthwise of the armature to provide at least two partially independent vibrating members that may be more easily flexed.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. is particularly useful for massaging limbs of the body such as the legs or arms and avoids the necessity of constantly moving the vibrating device over the surface of the body. This device comprises a housing 50 that may be either circular or rectangular in shape and having one end closed by a suitable plate 51 of metal or the like. An electromagnet 52 having a coil 53 is secured within the housing and mounted for longitudinal movement by means of a knob 54 and a threaded screw 55. The armature 56 overlies the pole pieces of the magnet 52 and may be pivoted to the housing 56 in any suitable manner that will permit it to move toward and away from the magnet to generate the desired vibrations. A pair of flexible bands 57 and 58 are pivoted or otherwise fastened to the housing at points 59 and 60 and their outer ends are provided with interlocking means 61 and 62 to hold them in a generally circular configuration. Within the bands 57 and 58 is a deformable waterproof container 63, preferably formed of a deformable waterproofed fabric that will not stretch or vary its volume under pressure. The meeting ends 64 and 65 of the fluid container 63 are arranged to lie in overlapping relationship when the bands 5' and 58 are connected to form a closed ring for encircling the arm or leg denoted in the drawing by the outline 66.

In order to cause the liquid container 63 to conform with the contour of the body part 66 an auxiliary liquid bag 67 is connected by means of a tube 68 to the liquid container 63. The flow of liquid from the bag 67 to the container 63 is controlled by a valve 69. When the apparatus is clamped about the part to be massaged the valve 69 is maintained in the open position to permit liquid to flow either in one direction or the other. When the bands 57 and 58 are locked in position about the body part 66 by the catch til-62, the bag 67 may be compressed to force liquid into the container 63. This forces the deformable container 63 to closely hug the leg or arm and causes the outer portion of the container overlying the armature 56 to be pressed firmly against it. The valve 69 is then closed to prevent fluid from leaving the container 63.

Upon the application of energy in the form of alternating current or interrupted direct current to the coil 53 the armature 56 will move toward and away from the magnet 52. This action will change the pressure in the container 63 in accordance with the motion of the armature 56 and therefore apply the vibrations simultaneously to all parts of the arm or leg encircled by the device. The amplitude of vibration can be controlled by the knob 54- by shifting the position of the magnet 52 relative to the armature 56.

In instances Where it is desired to apply heat as well as vibration to the part of the body to be treated, a heating element 70 is disposed within the liquid container 63 and its terminals 71 and 72 are connected to a suitable source of electrical energy. The resistance 70 is preferably provided with a suitable waterproof insulation if water is used in the container 63. With other fluids such as insulated oil, which can be used in place of water, the heating element would not have to be insulated, although precautions should be taken to prevent adjoining turns of wire from short circuiting one to the other. A switch 73 diagrammatically illustrated in this figure may be used to interrupt the flow of energy to the magnet 52 and it may also be interconnected with the heating element 74 to simultaneously interrupt the flow of energy in that circuit.

Another modification of the invention is shown in Fig. 6 and is particularly useful for treating curved surfaces of the body such as the breast, shoulder and the like. This device is generally similar to the apparatus denoted in connection with Fig. 5 and like numerals have been used to describe like elements. In this form of the invention the bands 57 and 56 are replaced by a conelike metal shield 74 that may be welded or otherwise secured to the housing 541' at 75. Within the cone-shaped structure is a vibration distributing means that may be in the form of a deformable container 76, filled with a suitable liquid such as water or oil or it may be in the form of a greases resilient material such as felt or compressable cotton or the like.

As inthe case of the prior embodiments of the invention, the pad or liquid container 76 may also include a heating element 77 having terminals 78 and 79 for connection to a suitable electric circuit. The flow of energy through this circuit may be controlled by the switch 73 if desired. 7 I

Fig. 7 is another form of the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 5. It comprises housing 80 of frusto-conical shape having a closed bottom part 81. Within this housing is a cup-shaped magnetic mem ber 82 that is preferably slotted to prevent the generation of circulating currents when the coil 84 disposed within the member 82 is energized. The wall of the member 82 also includes a shallow slot 85 for cooperating with a key 86 formed integrally with the housing 80 and prevents rotation of the member 82 relative to the housing. The magnetic member 82 is retained in the housing by means of a threaded stud 87 that is secured to the bottom wall thereof and engaged by a threaded opening 88 within the knob 89 that is rotatably mounted on the bottom wall 81 of the housing 80. The rotation of the knob 89 will react on the stud 87 to move the magnetic member 82 axially of the housing 80. Within the coil 84 is a magnetic member 90 in the shape of a spool which forms the second pole piece of the magnet. This spool is slotted at 83 to prevent the generation of circulating currents when the coil 84 is energized. The armature 91 of generally circular shape has a central member 92 extending downwardly into the central opening 93 of the spoolshaped member 90. Upon energization of the coil 84 this armature 91 moves toward and away from the coil to produce the vibrating motion. The cylindrical member 92 of the armature is preferably made slightly smaller than the opening 93 in the magnetic member 90 so that the latter will guide the armature 91 in axial motion toward and away from the coil 84.

Immediately above the armature 91 is a thin resilient member 94 closing the end of the housing 80 and held in place by a threaded ring 95 engaging a corresponding threaded recess in the upper end of the housing 80. This ring 95 is locked in position by an outer ring 96 cooperating with an external threaded portion 97 on the outside of the housing 80.

A pair of bands 98 and 99 of a flexible metal or fabric are fastened to opposite sides of the ring 96 by means of pins 100 and 101 to permit them to be moved toward and away from each other. A catch 102 and a cooperating lug 103 disposed on the free ends of the bands 98 and 99 hold them together to form a closed loop. The remaining elements of this form of the in vention are similar to those shown and described in connection with Fig. and like numbers have been used to denote like components in each figure.

One of the advantages of the modification shown in Fig. 7 resides in the complete closure of the housing 80 by means of the flexible diaphragm 94 in order to prevent dust, liquids or other foreign matter from entering the housing 80. Moreover abrasion of the liquid container 63 where it contacts the diaphragm 94 is prevented since the armature 91 cannot move relative to the container 63 but merely operates to vibrate the liquid within the container through the diaphragm 94.

Energy is conducted to the magnetic coil 84 by means of a pair of leads 104 which enter through an opening 105 in the housing 89. A switch either mounted on the housing, 80 or merely interposed in the leads 104 may be used to control the operation of the magnet. As in the case of the previous embodiments of the invention, the heating element 70 may be connected in parallel with the coil 84 for simultaneous operation with the coil or it may be independently controlled by separate switch means.

What is claimed is:

1. A therapeutic device comprising a housing, an electromagnetic vibrator in said housing, vibration transmitting means coupled with said vibrator, a heat generating resistance element in said transmitting means and a cover enclosing said transmitting means and at least part of the housing, said cover being of a heat-conductive resilient material effective to transmit said vibrations.

2. A therapeutic device comprising an elongated trough-like housing of substantially rectangular section having an enlarged rounded end portion tapering gradually toward the other end, an electromagnet having pole pieces in the rounded end part of said housing with the pole pieces facing outwardly thereof, an armature shaped to conform with the contour of said housing, means for mounting said armature with its rounded end part in cooperation with said pole pieces and its other end fixed relative to the housing, partially resilient vibration transmitting material coupled with said armature and extending beyond the edge of said housing, heat generating means in said material, a heat and vibration transmitting cover of flexible moisture-resistant material enclosing said resilient material and at least part of said housing and means for removably holding said cover on the housmg.

3. A therapeutic device according to claim 2 wherein means are provided for controlling the amplitude of vibration of said armature.

A therapeutic device comprising an elongated housing having a flat bottom and side walls with one end of said housing being of enlarged rounded section and the side walls tapering inwardly toward the other end thereof, an electromagnet in the rounded end part of said housing with the pole faces of said magnet facing outwardly, an armature shaped to conform with said housing, means for fixedly mounting said armature in said housing with one end overlying said pole faces and free to move relatively thereto, means for periodically energizing said magnet to vibrate said armature, resilient vibration conducting means overlying said armature, heat generating means in said vibration conducting means, means for energizing said heating means and a resilient waterproof heat conducting cover of relatively thin section enclosing said conducting means and at least part of the housing including releasable fasteners for holding said cover in position on the housing.

5. A therapeutic device according to claim 4 wherein said armature includes at least one slot extending inwardly from its free end to provide at least two independent vibratory members.

6. A therapeutic device comprising an elongated housing, an elongated base plate secured in said housing with at least one end in spaced relationship thereto and free to move relative to said housing, an electromagnet carried by the free end of said plate, an armature overlying said magnet and pivoted to said base plate for movement toward and away from the magnet, means for applying energy to said magnet to vibrate said armature and means between said base plate and said armature for limiting the amplitude of vibration of said armature.

7. A therapeutic device comprising an elongated housing, an elongated base plate secured in said housing with at least one end in spaced relationship thereto and free to move relative to said housing, an electromagnet carried by the free end of said plate, an armature overlying said magnet and pivoted to said base plate for movement toward and away from the magnet, means for applying energy to said magnet to vibrate said armature, means between said base plate and said armature for limiting the amplitude of vibration of said armature, resilient means coupled with said armature for transmitting vibrations from the armature to the body part to be treated and means for heating said resilient means.

(References on following page) References. Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS C asper -.Oct. 27, 1903' Jacobsen Jan. 12, 1904 Mc1,ai'p July 24, 1917 Maniij July 5, 1927' Renwick May 28, 1929 v 8 Binney Feb. 6, 1934 Newton Jan. 19, 1937 Miller Mar. 19, 1940 Cotton May 9, 1950 Grunwald Apr; 22, 1952 ,FOREIGN, PATENTS France Apr. 19, 1922' 

